Saffold, Raiders' replacement for Veldheer, fails physical

Updated 11:30 pm, Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast, Associated Press

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St. Louis Rams tight end Lance Kendricks, top, is congratulated by teammates Rodger Saffold (76) and Stedman Bailey after catching a 4-yard touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) less

St. Louis Rams tight end Lance Kendricks, top, is congratulated by teammates Rodger Saffold (76) and Stedman Bailey after catching a 4-yard touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game ... more

Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast, Associated Press

Saffold, Raiders' replacement for Veldheer, fails physical

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Reggie McKenzie wasn't the one who failed the physical Wednesday night, but he is doubled over in pain for sure.

The Raiders general manager's free-agency game plan has a hole in it after offensive lineman Rodger Saffold failed his physical. Oakland was concerned about his shoulder, his agent said, and Saffold won't be signed.

The Raiders and Saffold had agreed to a five-year, $42.5 million deal with $21.5 million in guarantees shortly after the start of free agency Tuesday. After Saffold and the Raiders parted ways, he was signed Wednesday night by his former team, the Rams, to a five-year contract.

Saffold has missed 17 games in four seasons with St. Louis with a variety of injuries. He missed time with a knee injury last season.

McKenzie came into free agency with more than $60 million to spend this season under the salary cap, and while there is no financial loss with Saffold, there is the missed opportunity to sign roughly 100 players who have reached deals with other teams. That's not to mention letting last year's left tackle, Jared Veldheer, leave for Arizona, with McKenzie offering Saffold more money.

So far, the Raiders have signed only right tackle Austin Howard (formerly of the Jets) and re-signed running back Darren McFadden. It's probably safe to say that any offers made to players visiting Wednesday probably went up after Saffold failed his physical.

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